Wild winds predicted for north Qld

The weather bureau says north Queensland residents should prepare for strong and gusty winds as ex-tropical cyclone Tim nears the coast.

Late yesterday, the bureau downgraded Tim to a low-pressure system.

Forecaster Andrew Cameron says the system is expected to cross the coast between Cairns and Townsville on Wednesday afternoon.

"At the moment its course looks fairly steady," he said.

"There is a small chance it could move further south toward Mackay, in which case it would bring more rain further south.

"Presently speaking we are looking at it heading towards the north.

"The system is still strong enough to produce gale-force winds, so we are seeing a gale wind warning through coastal waters which will come into effect today and last until approximately late Tuesday."

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